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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
06:08
Quantification of Hypopigmentation Activity In Vitro
Published on: March 6, 2019
[A case of hypopigmentation triggered by S-1]
Iwao Hyodo1, Masahide Ota, Atsushi Kobayashi
1Dept. of Oral Surgery, Gifu Municipal Hospital.
Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer & Chemotherapy
|May 23, 2009
Summary
A tongue cancer patient developed hypopigmentation after S-1 chemotherapy. This side effect persisted for 4 years, but the cancer did not recur.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- A 65-year-old male diagnosed with tongue squamous cell carcinoma underwent right partial glossectomy and supraomohyoid neck dissection.
- Adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 (80-120 mg/day) was initiated post-surgery.
Observation:
- Six months after commencing S-1 chemotherapy, the patient developed a rash with abdominal itching.
- Subsequently, leukoderma (hypopigmentation) appeared on the face and hands, progressively spreading.
Findings:
- The patient has remained disease-free from tongue cancer for 4 years post-treatment.
- The observed hypopigmentation has persisted without change throughout the follow-up period.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential dermatological side effect of S-1 chemotherapy in head and neck cancer patients.
- Long-term monitoring for treatment-related toxicities like hypopigmentation is crucial in adjuvant chemotherapy regimens.
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